Cosmetology School: Everything You NEED to Know

Maybe you have already made up your mind that cosmetology is definitely the career you want to have from now until the day you retire.

You are just collecting all of the information you can, so you are able to make the best, most educated decision on choosing the right cosmetology school for you.

No matter where you are in the decision-making process, you are at the right place because you are about to learn everything you could want, and quite honestly need, to know about getting into and successfully completing cosmetology school.

But first, let’s talk about exactly what cosmetology means, so you are crystal clear on what it is you are considering for a lifelong career.

What Is Cosmetology?

If you want to attend cosmetology school, you may have a career in any of the following areas:

The National Center for Education Statistics shares that cosmetology is a career path which encompasses a variety of different client-based services, all of which are in the realm of physical appearance.

Why Attend Cosmetology School?

If you wanted to be a chef in a nice restaurant, you might be able to achieve that goal simply by working hard and honing your craft in lower-scale food establishments, eventually making your way up the chain based solely on your effort, determination, and abilities. However, that’s not how it works with cosmetology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), every state mandates that a cosmetologist must complete cosmetology school and become licensed in order to practice in that state.  If you don’t go to school to undergo the necessary training in cosmetology, you cannot legitimately work in this field.

OccupationalLicensing.com indicates that cosmetology is the “fourth most heavily regulated occupation among moderate-income occupations,” when compared to other types of occupational licenses. This means that there is absolutely no way to work around this requirement. If you want a career in cosmetology, you must go to school to earn a license.

Now, let’s talk your employability options once you graduate from school and obtain your license. 

As the BLS reports, there will be approximately 64,400 more cosmetologists, hair stylists, and barbers in the year 2024 than there was in 2014. This 10 percent growth rate is pretty good considering that the national average for all careers combined is closer to seven percent.

Of course, there is also the option of owning your own salon.

If this is your ultimate goal, cosmetology school can help you achieve it. In addition to teaching about hair, nails, skin, and makeup, you will also learn salon ownership basics.

For instance, many schools offer classes to help students become more knowledgeable on what it takes to own a salon.

Is There A Difference Between Cosmetology School And Beauty School?

What Can I Expect In The Average Cosmetology School Curriculum?

For most people, this is the fun and exciting part because the curriculum is all about what you can expect to learn while enrolled in cosmetology school. Effectively, these are the areas where you are able to have real, hands-on training to learn a variety of skills in different areas of cosmetology.

Most cosmetology school curriculums include classes in the following seven areas:

Regardless of which area you intend to focus on as a specialty, you will take this course to learn patient ethics, personal grooming, human anatomy and physiology, hygiene and sanitation, basic and advanced cosmetology tools and equipment (electronic and otherwise). You will become familiar with information that is meant to guide you through your cosmetology career.

In classes directed toward the hair, you will learn about the different types, proper scalp and hair care, how to shampoo and condition effectively, and basic hair care tips. You will dive deeper into hair trimming, thinning, curling, and shaping techniques, and how to do specialized cuts like pixie cuts and A-line cuts.

You can expect to cover the art of braiding and styling, as well as learning how to do popular styles like up-dos, wedding styles, and competition styles. Lastly, you’ll also learn about wigs and hair extension applications and care.

These classes teach students how to safely use coloring chemicals and the different techniques related to creating highlights or lowlights, how to properly apply all over color, and do touch-ups.

Coloring involves learning which colors work best given the client’s skin color and tone, so students can learn to help those who are unsure pick a color and coloring style that works best for them.

The nail section of the curriculum addresses nail disorders and diseases, infection control practices, how to properly perform manicures and pedicures, how to apply acrylic tips and forms, effective nail repair methods, and proper polish techniques.

These skills are necessary not only as the service provider, but to better educate the client interested in how to perform proper nail care in between visits.

These classes generally start with the student learning about the history of this specialized art. From there, additional classes explain deeper the skin disorders and diseases, skin types, learning how to provide facials, the art of dermabrasion, proper skin cleansing techniques (based on skin type), and even hair removal.

Cosmetology students interested in makeup application enjoy classes including: color theory, basic makeup tools. makeup application tips and tricks, how to apply air brush makeup, and esthetics.

For the student interested in opening his or her own salon, these courses provide the foundation in which to do it.

These courses include creating strong client relations, adhering to business ethics, effective marketing techniques, business labor laws and workers’ compensation rights, and other business-related subjects associated with running a successful salon.

If you are currently working or have some other obligation that will not allow you to focus solely on school, then you are likely closer to a year-and-a-half of attending school on a limited, part-time basis. If you are able to commit to going to classes on a full-time basis, you can expect to go for at least nine months, if not longer.

Each cosmetology school is slightly different in terms of its time requirements, but the BLS indicates that most full-time programs take nine months or more to complete. 

If you would like a better idea of what your time commitment will be, OccupationalLicensing.com provides the average number of days a cosmetology student will likely spend in school depending on which state he or she is attending school.

If you are going to a school in New York or Massachusetts, that amount ranges from approximately 233 days. If your school of choice is located in South Dakota, Nebraska, or Iowa, the amount of days could be up to 490.

Though the focus has been predominantly on going to cosmetology school after graduating from high school, some high schools do offer this type of training for students who already know that cosmetology is their career path.

Through a partnership with a recognized cosmetology school, a high school may offer part-time classes. These generally take two years during the student’s junior and senior year to complete.

What Are Cosmetology School's Requirements?

When it comes to what you need to do before entering cosmetology school, every state has its own requirements. Make sure you meet these two minimum requirements before taking the time to enroll in a cosmetology school to ensure that you will not run into any obstacles when seeking admittance or licensing post-graduation.

These are the only two qualifications you need to meet.

Most schools require you to prove that you meet their minimum requirements. To do so, cosmetology schools typically request a state-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license or a state ID. High school graduation or its equivalent can often be shown by providing a copy of your diploma, your GED (General Education Development or General Education Diploma), or if you cannot locate either, your high school transcripts.

Some cosmetology schools also require that you submit letters of recommendation or personal essays (either written or video) with your application—while others want you to take aptitude tests or answer additional questions about your education and experience.

Each school's requirements are different, so take the time to research the requirements of the school you want to attend.

Knowing up front what type of requirements they have and what type of documentation you need to prove can help make the application process go much smoother.

Additionally, if you’re applying for financial aid to help you cover the costs of school, you will may need your tax forms from prior years—or your parent’s tax information, if you’re underage. Though it is unlikely you should have to hand these types of forms over to the school because the application process now occurs online through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

How Do I Pick The Best Cosmetology School For Me?

Deciding which school to attend, no matter what the area of study, involves looking at a lot of factors that affect you personally. Ideally, you want to select a school that is reputable for turning out good students, thus making you more marketable after graduation.

Here are some factors to consider and ask the school before beginning the application process.

The student-teacher ratio: The smaller this ratio is, the more one-on-one time you will get with your instructors, which can be beneficial if you are struggling in a certain area or learn best from individual instruction.

Graduation rate: Check out the number of students who are able to successfully complete the program to give you a better idea of how successfully the school is able to teach and how difficult the classes are to pass.

Affordability: Ask yourself whether you can afford that particular cosmetology school based on your income and budget. Be sure to include any dues that you are able to obtain via financial aid—which we will talk more about in a minute.

After-graduation placement services: If a cosmetology school offers assistance with placing you after graduation, this can help increase the likelihood of gaining employment as soon as you are licensed and able to work in the field.

Of course, going to cosmetology school is only half of the equation. The other half involves the student being as successful as possible while they are there.

Stellar people skills: As a cosmetologist, your livelihood is based on your ability to garner repeat business. This requires knowing how to best interact with your clients in a way that makes them want to come back to you again and again. Be a good listener, withhold judgment, and appear genuine.

A positive personality: Have you ever met a service professional who was so positive and upbeat that it made you smile at the mere thought of them? If you can make your clients feel like that when they think of you, you will be on the way to success.

An inquisitive nature: Not only does cosmetology require a passion for the initial learning of the trade, but being inquisitive throughout one’s career is important when it comes to keeping up with all of the latest fads and trends. Enable yourself to stay informed on the newest trends and techniques to better serve your clientele.

Good physical stamina: Not only does cosmetology require a passion for the initial learning of the trade, but being inquisitive throughout one’s career is important when it comes to keeping up with all of the latest fads and trends. Enable yourself to stay informed on the newest trends and techniques to better serve your clientele.

The BLS shares that other important qualities that are critical to success in cosmetology include: having a certain level of creativity, being tidy, and practicing good time management skills.

How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

Cosmetology school is just like any other postsecondary school in that you are expected to pay for your learning materials and tuition.

According to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), the average tuition ranges from $6,500 to $10,000 or more, with the actual amount depending largely on location.

If the school you choose is in a rural area, the tuition is generally cheaper. If the school is in a bigger city, you will likely pay more.

Fortunately for you, the Higher Education Opportunity Act requires all postsecondary institutions to publish a net price calculator on their websites to make it easier to find out up front what it will cost.

Unlike classes at a college or university where you just go sit and listen to lectures, cosmetology school has mostly hands-on classes, which means that you have to pay for the additional supplies used.

Here’s a helpful tip—ask about having to purchase supplies from specific vendors beforehand, so you can budget accordingly for all of your educational needs.

Depending on which cosmetology school you choose, you may be required to purchase these types of items from specific vendors. These supplies could include acquiring standard cosmetology tools, as well as frocks and aprons.

Are There Any Grants Or Scholarships To Help Combat The Price?

According to the student loan experts at LendEDU, if you attend an accredited cosmetology school, you may be able to offset some of the costs with federal aid in the form of Pell Grants, work-study, or subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Cosmetology school does not have to be out of your price range–there are many scholarship opportunities out there to help you overcome the financial obstacle of school.

Check out our list of the top cosmetology school scholarships that may be available to you!

The AACS also indicates if you are attending one of the cosmetology schools included in their association, you may be eligible for one of their grants or scholarships.

They come in a variety of denominations, with some offering $1,000 worth of help, up to bigger ones, like the Rosy Salon Software Cosmetology Scholarship, which is a $10,000 scholarship awarded to 12 recipients annually.

Can You Take Cosmetology School Online?

What Comes After Graduation?

Once you graduate from cosmetology school, you must obtain your license. Each state has different requirements, so make sure to check with the licensing board in your particular state of residence to find out exactly what steps you must take next.

Be prepared to pay a licensing fee. The fee amount differs by state. For instance, if you reside in California, the fee for 2017 is $125. However, if you want to practice cosmetology in Indiana, it is only $40.

After you obtain your license and accept a position in a salon, or if you decide to rent a booth, your employer may or may not provide you with cosmetology insurance to protect your career. And, if your employee does provide you with liability insurance, you cannot always assume you are 100% covered.

So, why carry your own professional liability insurance policy? Having this type of cosmetology insurance can protect you in the event a client suffers a mishap while in your care. There are more than 5,000 beauty-related emergency room visits every year, which makes carrying the right insurance more and more important.

For more information on how you can protect your career, while in school and after graduation, click here.

Deciding whether to attend cosmetology school is a major decision that should not be made lightly.

However, now that you know everything you need to know, you will be able to make the decision that is right for you.